“Wow! Snow on Oak”
were my first word when I visited the Queen of Hills, Shimla.
The first thing I saw when
I landed there was thick covers of oak and pine
that spread across the city are soaked it in peace and serenity. The Summer
Capital of Britishers, Shimla, has always been enticing for the nature lovers.
Basking the grandeur of British era, this city charmed the Britishers so much
that they elevated its status to the capital of India.
Tourist spots:
If it’s the snow that excites you, then you should definitely
visit Kufri. While there's not much to see in Kufri as such, but the
panoramic views and temples after a bit of trekking are worth the time. You can
also visit the nearby tourists’ spots like Chail, Mashobra, Naldehr
or Narkanda.
Tattapani, also predominantly known as
Tattapani Point, is a quaint village located 60 kms away from Shimla, on
the banks of river Sutlej. You can enjoy water sport aficionados and take with an
unmatched river rafting experience with you. This spot is also famous for its Hot Sulphur spring that is believed to
have curative properties for health ailments like stress, joint pain, fatigue
and other skin diseases.
Not to disappoint the devotees on the trip, you can pay a
holy visit to the famous ‘Jakhoo Temple’ perched atop the Jakhoo Hill above the
valley and seek the blessings on Lord Hanuman. Another spiritual shrine is the
‘Tara Devi Temple’ which is 11 km from Shimla Bus Stand. This temple is
dedicated to the Goddess of Star.
A trip to
Shimla is definitely incomplete without embarking on the famed toy train
ride, which runs from Shimla to Kalka and vice-versa. Meandering
through mountainous tracks, giving a glimpse of the hypnotic scenery, it is an
engineering marvel in itself and one of the top things to do in Shimla.
Local tourist spots:
Ridge is a wide-open street located on the side of Shimla
Mall Road. It has everything, from shops selling some exclusive artefacts to
the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain ranges set against an orangish
hued sky.
Here, you can enjoy feasting in small eateries selling Momo,
roasted corn and ice creams and sip hot coffee enjoying the scenic landscape. It is often the most photographed part of
the hill station covered with pine, firs, Himalayan Oak and Rhododendron trees.
Shoppers paradise:
Some of the best places to
shop in Shimla are the Lakkar Bazaar, Lower Bazaar, The Mall, Himachal
Emporium and Tibetan Market. Local markets in Shimla will definitely
lure you with all their traditional products and antiques. I quite bet, your
trip to Shimla would be incomplete without visiting the Lakkar bazar, famous
for the woodden decorative items and handicrafts.
Fig:Lakkar market
If you’re in the mood to
shop for locally made handicrafts at pocket friendly prices, Himachal Emporium
is just the place for you. If bargain is just in your blood and you’re quite
missing it in Shimla, just visit Tibetan Market once. For the ones who went to
Shimla to fetch fruit jams and jellies, don’t miss popping in the Minchy’s.
Fig: Tibetian Market
Food Assortments of Shimla
Shimla delicacy is quite
vegetarian and seems to consist of chickpeas and veggies. Famous food is Madra
and you will find this in almost every restaurant. Dhaam is their
another very famous cuisine which you will find specially during
festivals. Siddu, Thukpa and Babri are their quite famous delicacies and
must-try ones.
Fig: Madra
Must-visit places:
·
Ridge
·
Kufri
·
Mall, Lakkar Bazar
·
Tara- Devi Temple
·
Toy train ride from Shimla to Kalka
Must-have dishes:
·
Madra
·
Dhaam
·
Siddu
·
Thukpa
Best-time to visit Shimla:
May-June
is the ideal time to visit Shimla, yet if you want to soak yourself in
snowfall, you should visit it during November-January.
Pro-tips:
·
Carry all your essential medicines.
·
Don’t forget to carry extra woolens.
·
Make list of all the places you want to visit and plan your journey in
advance.
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